The National Football League (NFL) has concluded its investigation into allegations of abuse involving Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice, determining that he will not face disciplinary action under the league’s personal conduct policy.
In a statement released on Friday, the league said it had closed the inquiry after finding “insufficient evidence to support a finding that he violated the personal conduct policy.”
Rice’s attorney, Sean Lindsey, welcomed the decision, telling The Associated Press and ESPN that his client “thanks the NFL for their thorough investigation” and is now looking forward to the upcoming 2026–27 season. The Kansas City Chiefs did not immediately issue a public response.
The NFL investigation was launched in February following a civil lawsuit filed by Rice’s former girlfriend, Dacoda Jones, in Dallas County District Court. In the suit, Jones alleged a pattern of physical abuse during their relationship, claiming incidents occurred between December 2023 and July 2025 at residences in Texas and Missouri.
Court documents allege multiple episodes of violence, including claims that Rice “grabbed, choked, strangled, pushed, thrown, scratched, hit, and headbutted” Jones, as well as allegations of property damage and being locked out of homes. The filing also stated that some of the alleged incidents occurred while Jones was pregnant, and that she suffered injuries including bruising, swelling, and bleeding. She is seeking at least $1 million in damages.
Rice was formally served with the lawsuit in February. His legal team previously rejected the allegations, pointing to a sworn affidavit in which Jones reportedly stated that an incident between them involved only a verbal argument and denied physical assault.
The two were previously in a long-term relationship and share children together.
Prior to the civil case, Jones had also posted images on social media showing visible injuries, which she said were linked to abuse, though she did not publicly identify Rice at the time.
The NFL’s decision also follows a separate disciplinary case in which Rice previously served a six-game suspension related to his involvement in a high-speed crash in Dallas during the 2024 offseason that left multiple people injured.
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